Rahul Gandhi in Assam, interacts with women, Part 02

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who was on a two-day visit to Assam reiterated his party's call for strengthen women participation in all sectors of the country. He was addressing a group of 600 women from different walks of life before concluding his two-day visit to Assam. "We always try to give some top posts like President, Prime Minister, chief minister, MP and MLA to women. We also want them to get top powerful positions in all sectors. We hope women will come forward in all sectors and be powerful," said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam, interacts with women, Part 01

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who was on a two-day visit to Assam reiterated his party's call for strengthen women participation in all sectors of the country. He was addressing a group of 600 women from different walks of life before concluding his two-day visit to Assam. "We always try to give some top posts like President, Prime Minister, chief minister, MP and MLA to women. We also want them to get top powerful positions in all sectors. We hope women will come forward in all sectors and be powerful," said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with students in Assam, says we learn from failure, not from success

Rahul Gandhi interacts with students in Assam, says we learn from failure, not from success
Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, interacted with students from North East on Tuesday at Don Bosco University in Guwahati. "I see each one of you have a lot of will and will have immense potential”, he said.
The Congress vice-president also sought to assure the people of North- East migrating to other parts of the country for livelihood. Referring to the recent death of Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Taniam in Delhi over a trivial issue, Rahul Gandhi said “ignorance is the cause of what happened to Nido in Delhi.”
“People, generally, are not bad; but sometimes people get angry and act accordingly. When politicians come and say bad things it affects the citizens,” said Rahul Gandhi. Noting that he found inspiration in Mahatma Gandhi's ideologies, the Congress Vice President further said, “We have to tell people that they are a part of the country and are loved; anger needs to be eradicated."
“We need to give people the political power. I want students from Assam become MLAs, MPs, CM and PM. You are the future.. We must focus on connectivity; proposed corridors will benefit NE; we must focus on education for more development in NE... We can't solve all our problems in just few days; the solution to solve our issues is to empower our people” he said replying to various queries by the participants. “Compared to other countries, India is doing pretty well. We are the second fastest growing economy in the world," he told the gathering.
“Sometimes we forget how big our India is; it is growing faster than any other country” he said. On a question whether we should still continue with the system of reservation, Rahul Gandhi said, “The real problem is that there no sufficient seats in universities; if that is solved, the questions on reservation will end” and added, “There are still places in India, where one community is not allowed to fetch drinking water from wells used by high castes”.
On education, Rahul Gandhi commented, “Education system must be more student based; it should be connected to all spheres; it must have a good widen network.. We must reform our education system. It needs lots of changes to be made”.
“The single biggest problem in NE is the connectivity issue, whether by roads, trains or flights. This must be focussed on” said the Congress leader. “We have started to go to people to seek their opinion on Manifesto. No other party ever did so” said Rahul Gandhi.
Replying to another question on prevailing caste system, the Congress MP quipped, “If we empower people and give them proper space in politics, the casteism will end”. “People fight each other when there is communication gap.. if we listen each other, e chances for conflict is less” he commented.”
Stressing for the need of ensuring safety and equality for women, Rahul Gandhi said, “I come from a family where women are treated well. My father treated my sister and me the same way.. Why no one wants to talk about how & why women in India are insulted? How can we be a Super Power without equality? Women are suffering every day. Rape is an extreme manifestation. Girls are killed at birth.. We can never be a super power if our women do not feel safe in our country”.
“Women are more capable than men; they are more intelligent” said Rahul Gandhi amid big applauds from the participants. “Women should feel safe at anytime; 50% of our population is women; we want more women in Parliament, assemblies.. “ continued the Congress leader.
About North-East affairs, Rahul Gandhi said, “We can develop only if we are well connected; we need to improve on this at NE; we will give more attention to this”
When a girl from the gathering asked Rahul Gandhi, “Is it pen, gun or microphone that is most powerful weapon for change?” Rahul Gandhi immediately shot back, “It is the brain” and explained ”Even if we want to use a pen, gun or sword, we must have brain”.
“We must understand what do people really want; we must listen to them” he replied to another question, and added, “You have to look at other people, respect them; then only we can bring in changes”. “We have millions of people with different culture. That is our strength too. We unite when time demands, “ he said further.
Nothing can be built on anger, he reminded the students. “If someone is angry then we have to go to that person, talk to realise the issue”. “The first change in India that I want is the stable harmony amongst the people from different walks of life.. We don't want an India where one religion feels they are not safe in India, where women feel unsafe.. I believe in Mahatma Gandhi. Every conflict can be resolved with peace and brotherhood. Many of the conflicts take place because we don't empower people enough.. We can achieve success by love, affection and talking to people; that is what Gandhi ji taught us” said the Congress leader.
“The more power we give to the people, the youth, the less will be the conflicts” asserted Rahul Gandhi. “Assam back in peace because we involved people in discussions; and with their help we could achieve this” he said adding “Governance should be done by giving as many powers to the people”.
“Our systems don't serve the end-user. You have no input in your education. We have to build education system around you” he told the students. “Some politicians come here and make speeches and go back.. I am here to listen to you” he assured.
“To promote manufacturing, you have to promote entrepreneurship. We have to enable people like you to start something.. We can learn many things from failure; we actually can't learn much from success” suggested Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam, interacts with Tribal groups in Guwahati

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, on the first day of his Assam visit, interacted with tribal leaders at Guwahati on Tuesday. The Congress leader further told tribal leaders that he wants to "include you all in our choice for candidates" for the Lok Sabha polls. "Not only your MLA but you can also choose you candidate for Lok Sabha polls," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam: Mahatma Gandhi taught us that revolution is brought with peace

Rahul Gandhi in Assam: Leaders do not change the world, it is the people who make it possible

Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge party rally in Guwahati as part of his campaign in Assam for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls
In a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, the Congress leader commented, “Nowadays, some leaders come to you and promise you that they would change the state and the world. But the fact is that it is the people who bring in changes. Leaders do not change the world, it is the people who change the world”. "What has been done in 70 years, BJP claims it can do in it in three months. This is a mockery of the people as what has happened in the last seven decades is because of the people”, he added.
“There are two types of leaders. The first type is those leaders who go to the people, mingle with them, listen to their issues and wish to give them more power. This is the way Congress thinks. And on the other side, there are leaders who snatch power from the people. I am not of that type. I do not want your power but want to give you more strength, instead. It is you, who must take our country forward. You have strength and the potential to do so” continued Rahul Gandhi.
Again in an indirect attack on BJP, the Congress Vice President said further, “Nowadays, some leaders come to you and promise you that they would change the state and the world. But the fact is that it is the people who bring in changes. Leaders do not change the world; it is the people who change the world” and also remarked, “Mahatma Gandhi taught us that revolution is brought with peace”. “Opposition talks about corruption but the most powerful and historical instrument against it in the form of RTI was given by our government. What was done in closed doors by bureaucrats can be known by any common citizen by filing an RTI” argued Rahul Gandhi.
Highlighting the achievements of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, the Congress leader said, “We brought the Tribal bill for the adivasis. We fought with Vedanta at Niyamgiri and gave the lands back to the tribals. We fought for the farmers’ rights in Batta-Parsaul and enacted the Land Acquisition law. We waived-off the loans of the poor farmers worth Rs 60000 crores. We did all these with love and respect, not with anger. This has been our policy”.
“BJP wants to finish Congress. But they do not know that Congress is not a party, but it is an ideology which cannot be removed from the hearts and minds of the people. It is ideology to love each other, respect all. BJP talks of Hindutva but did not read Gita. The Gita talks of respecting all, working with love and not to be arrogant. The same has been said in Quran, Gurugranth Sahib” said the Congress Vice President and added, “This concept is years-old and no one can destroy this. Hindustan is like a Guldasta (bouquet) which has space for all. We must love all, respect all. It is the people who develop the nation.
Striking an emotional chord with women in the state, Rahul Gandhi continued, “We talk about Super power. Without empowering our women India can never be a super power. It will remain as half super power until then. In the next 5 years we will strengthen our steps to empower more women. We want 50% of the members in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Assemblies are women. We also want to empower the youth and want them at higher places”.
“We have nothing but you, the people, have everything – the strength, the knowledge and the power. Our duty is just give you opportunities, open up conditions and to empower you. ..We (Congress) believe in love, not in ager. That is what Assam teaches us”, concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Full text of the speech of Sh. Rahul Gandhi at a Congress rally in Guwahati, Assam

Sonia Gandhi attends the first anniversary function of the Assam Government

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi attended the first anniversary celebrations of the third term of the Congress government in Assam. She congratulated Tarun Gagoi government in the state for the overall development and prosperity in the state.
Sonia Gandhi said that today is a day of celebration for the Congress party. 'But at the same time we realise the huge responsibility the people of Assam has reposed in us and we renew our pledge to serve them better to take them on the path of peace, development and prosperity,’ she reminded.
“I am very happy to be here in Assam and this occasion is more memorable as we celebrate the first anniversary of the third successive Congress-led government under the leadership of Taru Gagoi in the state. This proves that the people continue to trust us. We also realize that we have now the increased responsibility to serve people with more dedication and commitment,” added the Congress President.

Sonia Gandhi visits Assam to attend state government’s first anniversary finction

Sonia Gandhi continued, 'We are aware of the situation at the time we had formed our first government in the state eleven years back. Assam was in a state of chaos and disarray. Insurgency was at its height, the treasury was empty, government employees were not paid salaries, development was at an all-time low, industries and industrialists were fleeing. There were no proper roads, adequate electricity and it was rampant anarchy across the state. The people were scared to move out of their houses after the evening”.
Explaining about the efforts of the Congress government, the UPA Chairperson said “Soon after the Congress Government took charge of the state, it took immediate measures to solve these problems. I feel very happy today to see the changed face of Assam. We could achieve this because of the combined efforts of the Congress-led government and the people in the state. I use this occasion to congratulate Tarun Gagoi, his colleagues, Congress workers and leaders and the people in Assam in particular for this remarkable achievement”.

Sonia Gandhi in Assam congratulate state government for overall development

Expressing her happiness in the state of affairs in Assam, the Congress President said “Assam is moving forward through the path of development, prosperity, peace and brotherhood. We witness a confident Assam today”.
Referring to the insurgent outfits Sonia Gandhi said, 'I am happy to note that UPA and Congress led-Assam government's efforts to end insurgency through dialogue have been positive as most insurgent outfits have announced their decision to abjure violence. Most insurgent outfits have realised that violence cannot solve any problem and have left this path for peace. The government will take all measures to establish peace and fulfill their aspirations. I am confident that insurgent outfits who have not come forward for talks so far will realize the danger of violence and join the peace process.”
'“Assam's strength is in its diversity and the people of the state have realized that it is Congress that will take all sections of society into consideration in the development process” further said the Congress President. “The Congress-led government understands the expectations of the entire people. It always tried to protect the pride and honour of the entire communities in the state. Congress never works, or will work, for any particular caste, religion or region. The Congress led government in Assam could ensure a secured future of the state and its people” she added.

Sonia Gandhi in Assam congratulate people of Assam for their support

Recalling Rajiv Gandhi the UPA Chairperson continued, “'Rajiv Gandhi had realized this 27 years ago when he signed the historic Assam Accord and we are still working according to its provisions. Our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been representing Assam in Rajya Sabha since last ten years and he shows special interest for the welfare of Assam. We know that Brahmaputra river is the lifeline of the state and an integral part of its cultural identity. We also understand the hardship being faced by the people in crossing the river and we are soon going to have about four bridges across Brahmaputra”.
Narrating the achievements of the Congress-led Government in Assam Sonia Gandhi said, “There has been a marked improvement in the condition of roads while there has been increased investment in the power sector. Eight lakh BPL families have been provided with electricity under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. Several new schemes have been undertaken for empowering women like strengthening of self-help groups and under Panchayati Raj women were given reservation of 50 per cent. For the development of all sections of society including SC/STs, backward castes, indigenous communities, the government has set up eight autonomous councils and 18 development councils. Assam has also taken full advantages of National Rural Health Mission. I have been told that the people are receiving much better health care and facilities”.

Sonia Gandhi in Assam lists out Assam government’s achievements

About the improvement in the field of education, the Congress President remarked “Assam is the first state in the country which made computers available to the entire high school students in the state. Today, the state has a number of institutions for higher studies and the children here are now able to get better and quality higher education. There has been a new lease of life for the industry in the state. I take this opportunity to congratulate the hard working and sincere farmers in Assam for creating history in the production of rice and food grains in the last year”
“We want fast economic growth and better development in the country and we wish that the entire people avail its benefits. We also look for a safe and secured environment” she added.
Sonia Gandhi further said “People of the state have strongly supported the Congress in all possible manner and the Congress government in the state will never disappoint the people in making Assam one of the developed and peaceful states in the country”.
The Congress President concluded her speech by once again congratulating the Chief Minister, his colleagues, Congress workers and the people of Assam.